Week 3 Term 1 2026

Weekly Newsletter

Principal: Greg Neville

Deputy Principal: Stephen Sowter

Head of Primary Campus: Vanessa Ignas

Head of Secondary Campus: James Winas

Head of Boarding: John Kalenda

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and carers,

It has been a great start to the term, and I am delighted to share some highlights with you.

Parent Welcome Meetings

We were very pleased with the strong attendance at both the Primary and Secondary Campus Parent Welcome Meetings. Your engagement and support are vital to the success of our school, and it was encouraging to see so many families joining us to connect with staff and hear about the exciting year ahead.

Welcoming New Students

A warm welcome to the many new students who have joined us across the Primary, Secondary, and Boarding campuses. We are pleased to have you as part of our school community and look forward to seeing you thrive academically, socially, and personally.

School Association Meeting

Please be reminded that the Lae International School Association Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 17th February at 5.30pm in the Secondary School Campus Hall. At this important meeting, members will be confirmed and elected to the School Association, which in turn appoints representatives to the Board of Governors. Your participation is highly valued as it helps shape the future direction of our school.

Extra-Curricular Activities

This term, we are offering a wide variety of extra-curricular activities across both campuses. Research consistently shows that involvement in sports and other activities leads to better academic outcomes, particularly for students in the upper grades who carry a heavy academic load. Balancing study with physical activity and creative pursuits is essential for overall wellbeing and success.

Upcoming Principal’s Meeting

Next week, I will be attending the IEA Principals’ Meeting in Port Moresby, joining colleagues from across the country. This is an excellent opportunity to share ideas, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that Lae International School continues to deliver education of the highest international standard.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support. 

Success Starts Here!

Mr Gregory  Neville

Principal 

Lae International School

2026 School Calendar


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Deputy Principal's Notices

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I would like to begin by sincerely thanking all of you who attended our recent Parent Teacher Nights. It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with our staff and building strong relationships with the school. Your involvement is a vital part of your child’s success, and we truly value the partnership we share with you in supporting their learning journey.

Learning is now in full swing across our classrooms. I encourage you to ask your child about what they are learning each day. These conversations not only show your interest but also help strengthen recall skills, moving knowledge from short-term to long-term memory. This simple practice can make a significant difference in how well students retain and apply what they learn.

Our Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) began last week in the primary school and were met with great enthusiasm. It was a successful start, and there is still room for more students to get involved. ECAs are an important part of a holistic education, helping students to develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, while also supporting academic achievement. We encourage parents to sign their children up and take advantage of these opportunities. The ECA list for the high school will be out shortly and we encourage all students to get involved.

On Friday 6th February, our Year 12 students are participating in their Leadership Retreat. It is a valuable day of reflection, future planning, and team building. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Crossroads Hotel for hosting us in their conference centre and providing such a supportive environment for our students.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support. Together, we are creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to reach their full potential.

Warm regards,

Mr Stephen Sowter

Deputy Principal 

Lae International School

 

Parent School Access Cards

In the interest of health and safety we are introducing a new school parent access card (example in picture). All parents need to collect their card from the school office in primary or secondary. This card will need to be presented if you want to enter the school campus at any time, including pick up and drop off.

Steps on how to create an Audiri account


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LIS Positive Behaviour Policy

Pictured below are copies of the behaviour stages followed by all staff when dealing with negative behaviour. Should parents want a full copy of the school’s Positive Behaviour Policy this is available from the school office at either Primary or Secondary.

Head of Primary Campus Notices

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Afterschool Activities Registration

Our ECA (Extra-Curricular Activities) program has already begun, and we still have spaces available for students to join. To register your child, please send an email to our receptionist or call in to the school office.

Activity Name

When (Day/s)

Targeted Group

 Tutor/Teacher

Outdoor Games

Mondays

Prep - Grade 2

 Mikal Nolan

Library and Homework Club

Wednesday

Prep – Grade 8

Mrs. Kamoen

Basic Reading Skills

Mon & Wed

Grades 1–3

Ms. Karahure

Music

Mon, Wed, & Thu

Grades 2–8

Mr. Warikani

Arts – Tie-Dying

Wednesday

Grades 3–5

Ms. Kanini

Art – Painting & Murals

Mon

Grades 3–6

Robyn Illemann, and

Ansie Handford

Art – Painting & Murals

 Wed

Prep – Grade 2

Robyn Illemann, and

Ansie Handford

Rugby Skills

Mondays

Grades 3–8

Mr. Sowter

Math Club

Wed & Thu

Grades 7 & 8

Ms. Peter

Basketball

Wed & Thu

Grades 4–8

Mrs. Paul

Athletics – Track Events

Mon, Wed, & Thu

Grades 1-8

Aiyu Taiko

Parent Access Pass

  • The 2026 Parent Access Pass is now ready for collection.
  • Please note: access to the school grounds will only be granted upon presentation of your parent access card.


Grade 8 National Examination Certificates

  • The 2025 Grade 8 National Examination Certificates are yet to be printed and delivered by the Education Department.
  • We will advise families as soon as they are received.


School Gate & Supervision

  • The school gate opens at 7:30am for students to enter.
  • There is no supervision before 7:30am. Students must wait with their parents until the gate opens.


Uniform & Sun Safety

  • Please encourage your child to dress neatly in the appropriate school uniform.
  • Students are required to wear school hats/caps during playtime and outdoor activities.
  • No hat, no play will be enforced for sun safety.


Looking ahead

  • Week 4 – Ukarumpa Band Visit
  • Week 5 – Primary Disco (ELC – Grade 6)
  • Week 5 – Whole School Assembly
  • Week 6 – Public Holiday Thursday 26th February
  • Week 6 – Friday 27Th February (Grade 8 Learning Assembly)

Upper Primary Student Handbook

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Head of Secondary Campus Notices

Secondary School Newsletter

Dear All,

Welcome to this week’s edition of our Secondary School News. The first three weeks of the term have been both productive and inspiring. Our students have already engaged deeply in their learning, and classrooms have been vibrant with activity. We are delighted to see our new students settling in so well, and equally pleased that our new teachers have quickly adapted to the school environment.

I would like to extend my gratitude to our continuing teachers, whose guidance and support have been invaluable in helping our new colleagues transition smoothly into their roles. Beginning in a new place is never easy, but your mentorship has made the process far more welcoming. A special acknowledgment goes to our school-based mentors, Mrs. Ancilla Lunga and Mrs. Esther Ehava, for their dedicated support. I also wish to thank Mrs. Joanna Dagina, our Learning and Assessment Coordinator, for her leadership in organizing planning documents for the students, and for overseeing the secondary school assessment schedule released this week. Thank you also for your diligence in preparing the mock examination timetable for next week.

Welcoming Our Students

We extend a warm welcome to all our students:

  • Year 9: Beginning your high school journey is an exciting milestone. We hope you embrace the opportunities ahead and make the most of what high school life has to offer.
  • Year 11: This week marks an important milestone as you make your Upper Secondary subject selections. These choices will shape your tertiary studies and, ultimately, your future careers. We encourage you to consult with your parents, teachers, and mentors to ensure you make informed decisions.
  • Years 10 and 12: To our continuing and new students, your journey toward success begins now. With examinations at the end of the year, we know you will face significant challenges, but we are confident you will rise to the occasion and make the LIS community proud. We wish you all the best for this year.

Notices for the Week

We would like to share a few important updates:

  • Parent Information Evening: Thank you to all parents who attended. Your participation highlights the importance of collaboration between home and school in supporting our students.
  • Mock Examinations: Next week, Year 10 and Year 12 students will sit for their first trial mock examinations. The timetable and schedules have been distributed through our communication channels, and homeroom teachers have also shared details with parents. Please note that normal lessons will continue in homerooms during times when exams are not scheduled.
  • Assemblies: Parents are warmly invited to attend our weekly secondary assemblies. Students will present thematic programs aligned with our Steps to Success initiative. Assemblies will be held every Friday from 2:05 pm to 3:00 pm.
  • Swimming/Wet Sports: This term, swimming lessons will be conducted for Years 9 and 10, while Years 11 and 12 will also participate in wet sports during their PD lessons. Students are reminded to bring appropriate swimwear on swimming days.
  • Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA): A variety of ECAs are planned for this semester. Updates will be shared regularly, so please stay connected for the latest information.

I wish all our students, teachers, and parents a successful and fulfilling term ahead. Together, we continue to build a strong and supportive learning community where success truly starts here.

Thank you, James Wins Head of Campus – Secondary

Head of Boarding Campus

Welcome Message to Parents of Boarders 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is with great joy that we welcome you and your children to the new school year. Boarding life is a unique journey, filled with opportunities for growth, independence, and lasting friendships. We deeply value the trust you place in us to care for your children, and we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Throughout the year, our boarding staff will work closely with you to ensure that your child feels at home, develops resilience, and embraces the many experiences that boarding life offers. We encourage open communication and look forward to partnering with you in guiding your child’s progress and wellbeing.

Together, we can make this year a rewarding and memorable one for your children. Thank you for being part of our boarding community—we are excited to embark on this journey with you.

#success start here

Warm regards,

John Kalenda 

Head of Boarding  

Steps to create an Audiri account


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Safety Guidelines for Authorising Boarding House Leave


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Lower Secondary Student Handbook

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Upper Secondary Student Handbook

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Join our Social groups

Uniform Price List

Uniform Requirements


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Homework Policy

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Academic Assessment Policy

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Student Photographs

There are many photo opportunities at our school and student images are often used in publications, such as the Newsletter, and displayed online through the school website / Facebook and Instagram pages. Student images will continue to be featured in the Newsletter, website and other media this year. If you do not wish photos of your child to be displayed through any form of print or digital media, please advise the office.

This week in pictures!

Facility Hire